True Martial Academy stood as one of the eight premier institutions within the Great Chu Dynasty. Though not ranked first in overall strength, it consistently remained within the top three.
The comprehensive strength of an academy was often measured by two key factors: the number of its instructors and the depth of their abilities.
True Martial Academy comprised four academic years, with thousands of students and over two hundred instructors. Among them, most third- and fourth-year mentors had already attained the formidable level of Grand Martial Master, while even first- and second-year instructors were at least eighth- or ninth-tier Martial Artists.
Qian Tonghe was one such figure—a ninth-tier Martial Artist of considerable repute.
Now, Wei Yi had openly challenged him. Even Zhu Ling'er and Yang Qingqing, who harbored the utmost confidence in Wei Yi, could not hide their astonishment.
Qian Tonghe was no common rogue like the leader of the Blackwater Bandits. Their cultivation realms were worlds apart; the martial techniques and arts they wielded belonged to entirely different leagues. One was a notorious brigand scorned by all; the other, a respected instructor from a storied academy with deep-rooted traditions.
To speak frankly, even if several Blackwater leaders joined forces, they would still be no match for Qian Tonghe.
Even with prodigious talent, Wei Yi had only begun cultivating within the past year. How could he possibly stand against Qian Tonghe?
Hearing Wei Yi's challenge, Qian Tonghe couldn't help but laugh—his fury barely concealed beneath the surface.
Never before had a student dared to challenge him since he became an instructor. To him, this was not merely disrespect, but a deliberate and brazen insult.
Even so, he did not decline.
"Defiant, undisciplined, arrogant beyond measure—you dare strike fellow students and ignore your mentors?"
"A disgrace like you has no right to remain within the academy's walls. You are unworthy of the name Zhenwu!"
"Today, I shall teach you a lesson in the name of the academy."
With that, Qian Tonghe strode forward, and the overwhelming force of a ninth-tier Martial Artist erupted from him.
Vast and oppressive inner energy surged through the hall, his presence alone forcing nearby students to retreat, unable to withstand the pressure radiating from his body.
Wei Yi's expression grew solemn.
Say what one will about Qian Tonghe's character, his strength was indisputable. As a ninth-tier Martial Artist, he stood only a step away from becoming a Grand Martial Master—far beyond the reach of a mere first-tier cultivator.
But Wei Yi had no retreat.
Only battle remained.
His heart was unshaken. That was his true strength.
"Who is the disgrace here, I wonder?"
"Don't think I'm unaware of the favors you accepted from Sun Wenzong."
"Bribery, collusion with petty schemers, framing your own students—how vile! And you presume to call yourself a teacher? You think you have the right to discipline me?"
Wei Yi's verbal barbs struck like daggers. Though typically disinclined to argue, he knew how to wield his words when needed.
He didn't need to know the specifics of Qian Tonghe's dealings—just enough to cast doubt.
And sure enough, murmurs spread among the watching students. Their gazes toward Qian Tonghe began to shift, uncertainty and suspicion in their eyes.
Qian Tonghe's face darkened like storm clouds.
"You dare smear my name, boy?!"
With a furious shout, he no longer hesitated. Afraid that Wei Yi might reveal even more damning secrets, he lunged forward, palm raised to strike.
Boom!
Wei Yi crossed his arms to block, but the blow from Qian Tonghe forced him back several paces.
He retaliated at once, unleashing his fully mastered Iron Ape Fist, his inner energy surging from his core as he launched into a fierce counterattack.
"So you've advanced to Martial Artist… no wonder you've grown so insolent," Qian Tonghe sneered.
"But a mere first-tier? I'll crush you within a few strikes."
Though outwardly dismissive, inwardly, he was rattled.
A Martial Artist.
Just months ago, when he had met Wei Yi on behalf of the academy, the boy had possessed no trace of cultivation.
Now, within this short span, Wei Yi had broken into the Martial Realm—perhaps even more recently than that.
Qian Tonghe's own class, Class Eight, didn't have a single Martial Artist among them. The strongest were only ninth-tier Martial Disciples. Across the entire second year, those who had ascended to the Martial Realm could be counted on one hand—and all of them were renowned geniuses.
Impossible.
How could this so-called "cripple" ascend?
His mind reeled, but it only deepened his resolve. Wei Yi's talent posed a future threat—and with the Wei Clan behind him, that threat could grow dangerous.
He had to be eliminated.
"Let me show you the price of challenging a teacher!"
With that, Qian Tonghe unleashed his full inner energy, calling upon his Iron Palm technique. A shimmering veil of energy enveloped his hand as it descended like a mountain, crashing toward Wei Yi with terrifying force.
Wei Yi threw a punch in response, but even his perfected Iron Ape Fist couldn't withstand the blow.
A thunderous boom resounded.
Wei Yi was sent hurtling out of the hall, slamming into the stone railing along the academy's outer walkway. Blood sprayed from his lips, and his face turned pale.
"Excellent… Excellent…"
Wiping the blood from his mouth, Wei Yi instead burst into laughter.
"Now this is what I call a proper fight."
"I live for this kind of challenge."
"Qian Tonghe—get out here and face me again!"
His voice thundered through the academy like a battle cry, echoing across buildings and corridors. Students and instructors poured from their respective training rooms, eyes wide with disbelief.
At that moment, Wei Yi drew his sword—the Qinggang Blade.
With the weapon in hand, his entire demeanor shifted. This was his true form—his strongest state.
If the Iron Ape Fist wasn't enough—
Then he would turn to his fully mastered Storm Sword Technique.
Fists were not his greatest weapon.
His blade was.
Though merely a first-tier Martial Artist, he feared nothing. With the sword in hand, he would battle any opponent—even the gods themselves.
Beneath his dark eyes blazed an unquenchable fire.
Restraint and humility? Merely veils he wore at times.
Arrogance and defiance—that was his true nature.
"Qian Tonghe—get out here!"
"Qian Tonghe—get out here!"
"Qian Tonghe—get out here!"
With his Blackwater Movement Technique, Wei Yi leapt atop the high platform outside the hall. Sword raised high, his voice rolled across the academy like waves of thunder.
Whispers and exclamations swept through the crowd.
Qian Tonghe emerged, his face ashen and thunderous.
Seeing the sea of spectators, he knew his name would spread far and wide today—and not for reasons he desired. This was no triumph.
It was disgrace.
All because of Wei Yi.
He lifted his gaze, locking eyes with the youth he now hated with every fiber of his being—murderous intent burning in his stare.
But even as he glared, a new voice stirred within Wei Yi's mind.
Ding! Player Wei Yi's Battle Intent Index has surpassed the average threshold.
Ding! Player Wei Yi has met the hidden requirement for Bloodline Awakening. Initiate Awakening now?
"Awaken," Wei Yi whispered, his gaze unyielding, without hesitation.